Here We Are, by the critically acclaimed author Graham Swift, is a typically understated delightful read that you cannot help but be enchanted by.

We first discover our three love triangle protagonists during the summer of 1959, in the holiday seaside resort of Brighton.  Ronnie, known on stage as ‘Pablo’, is a young magician going places.  His partner and able assistant is the young and beautiful Evie.  The popular compere of their end of the pier show is a bit of a Jack-the-lad character, Jack Robinson.

This is a story told in both the past and present tense.  Swift, artfully details significant aspects of their lives as the narrative moves forward.  Reading this book was akin to peeling a red juicy apple, i.e. I wanted to keep on going.  It was a nostalgic read, a wistful one, and a moving one at times too.

As with Swift’s brilliant novel Last Orders, the human condition and a character driven plot lie at the heart of Here We Are.  Love, adultery, guilt, and grief, are all themes that are touched upon.  These coupled with kindness and laughter along the way, all makes for a beautifully told emotive tale.

In a certain way, this novel felt a bit old fashioned. I mean this in a complimentary way though.  In a fictional world now where some novels regrettably try to be too clever for their own good, this novel was refreshing because it was the exact antithesis to this.

A straightforward read that was captivating and moving throughout.  4/5.